Drawing a Big Bison with Charcoal on Canvas

Probably my favorite bison drawing so far. Started with a couple layers of gesso on a 36"x48" canvas. Sketched out the big guy with a charcoal pencil, then started adding more layers to make him come alive. So much fun! Hope you enjoy watching. Thanks!
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[@rabianawabartguide]

Good job

[@peterpearce8489]

Glad to see another video! Love your style and effects. I’ve played with it a bit myself and I’m loving it! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@bigblue6917]

Just beautiful. I half expected it to walk out the canvas.

[@Ed_13_R]

You bring so much soul to your art. Amazing piece. 👍

[@michaelgilding6531]

I would definitely put this art into a log cabin in the woods.

[@wendyshoults7355]

Fantastic! You do amazing work! Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

[@lisaedwards6384]

Thank you for sharing your process. Beautiful!!

[@NikkiA.Art.]

Hello Joel. I have to confess, I have been watching your videos repeatedly watching how you do your work. I just love high contrast, black & white and this art is great as to how you manipulate shapes and contrast to get the right effects. Well I tried a Tiger and man, did it not come out the way I wanted to. I end up resorting to adding white and grey charcoal instead of rubbing it out. I think the mistake I made was I didn't have enough coal on the canvas to rub it out and make it look white. So I am not giving up I am going to try it again, painting a Nordic Viking. Thank you for opening the world of charcoal and showing us what it can do. Your work is amazing and I appreciate it. Thank you.

[@JoelPilcherArt]

Thank you! Are you using an electric eraser for the brightest highlights? That was a game changer for me.

[@NikkiA.Art.]

@@JoelPilcherArt Hello Joel. Yes I did though the problem was I didn't add enough on the first layer and didn't go dark enough in places. In the end it end up being a black and white charcoal painting. Its ok though. It was my first attempt so I am not that upset by it. Good thing I am stubborn and will try again. If you want to see it, it's not brilliant, I can email you a pic.

[@laurasmith1278]

Joel, I'm from South Ga. I've just found you. I'm 61 years old & retiring. I have been told all thru the years that I have a talent. However life has took me in different paths & I never really had any confidence. Just letting you know that you are the man that's responsible for me starting to pursue an art career. Since I started watching you, I have actually turned out some decent looking work. GOD bless you my friend, I certainly appreciate the inspiration...

[@NikkiA.Art.]

@@laurasmith1278 Good on you Laura. I did the same thing. I started only 2-3 years ago and have been painting and learning ever since. It's people like Joel who do inspire and help you make decisions on how to do something when you are unsure or stuck. Keep up the great work. You aren't alone. 👍

[@cherylfoster6846]

Your work is sooooo dramatic and impactful. Thank you for sharing. Just a quick technical question, If you are working on an Ipad, how do you keep the screen from turning on and off every few minutes?

[@johnlim899]

Subscribed. Do u add on additional Gesso on the primed canvas? And post drawing, do u varnish it? To protect ur drawing?

[@hectorflavioroldanamaya1390]

Hi Joel. I am a fan and admirer of his amazing work. I live in Medellin, Colombia. Could you please tell me the brand of pencils and charcoal powder that you use? Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. God bless you.

[@JoelPilcherArt]

I don't use the charcoal pencil anymore. Just Maries willow charcoal and Coates charcoal powder. Both purchased on Amazon. Thanks!

[@mariomsupermario5491]

Hi great artist the 1st level of work is maden with charcoal or graphite??? Tks by now

[@theArtofKessey]

using charcoal on canvas the way you do is pretty tough. i tried it , wish i could share. i was struggling through out. i ended up using acrylics for the highlights. lol... how does your charcoal erase so easily. mine just doesn't. please is there a way i can share my work with you. You are an inspiration.

[@JoelPilcherArt]

I now apply a couple layers fo gesso first and it helps. The electric eraser is a game changer for getting the brightest highlights. Thanks!

[@dzdesignzone6785]

Hi. What kind of polish remover is that? Can you post some link to it please? Awesome work by the way.....

[@meredith7236]

Hi does it have to be acetone you spray as that smells a lot is there a difference if I just use water???

[@Sketchrcat]

music is annoying!!

[@creativesolutionsandart]

Totally… I had to turn it down all the way just to watch the video